Quick writing tip

Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Quick writing tip:
Having problems with too many "be verbs?" Switch the direct object and the subject. For instance:

All around the pool were rocks and boulders.

Becomes

Rocks and boulders circled the pool.

I've cut the sentence by two words. Now it's shorter, tighter, and more powerful.

Now, go forth, and edit!

4 comments:

  1. Awesome! Yep, I do this in a layer of editing, and try to do it as I'm writing along. The more you do it the more you avoid those weak verbs. Practice practice! Of course, sometimes you want things weak, but I won't get into that.

  1. It's amazing the little tricks you pick up over the years.
    And why not get into that. Sounds like a great blog post to me.

  1. I just found your blog, and you have some awesome advice on here! Congrats on getting an agent,(even if it was last year)! That is a huge accomplishment! I wish you the best of luck with everything!:)

  1. Chantele: Thanks! I'm so glad you found it helpful.

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...